Hot Chipps – Dehler 46 – SYC
Owner: John Chipp
In the lead-up to a coastal delivery later that year, I was proactive in seeking opportunities to gain time on a Dehler 46. Having previously sailed on Trilogy, a Dehler 42c out of BYS, I contacted John Chipp to see if I could get some experience aboard Hot Chipps.
That approach led to a number of sails out of Sandringham Yacht Club in club racing, which provided valuable familiarisation with the Dehler 46 platform, deck layout, sail handling and general boat systems. The time on board was particularly useful as preparation for the upcoming delivery, allowing me to build confidence on a similar boat before heading offshore.
In addition to racing, I also assisted with the fitting and setup of a new mainsail supplied by Aaron Cole at North Sails. Being involved in this process added practical insight into sail handling, setup and integration, outside of race conditions.
Overall, sailing on Hot Chipps was a valuable opportunity to spend time on the Dehler 46 platform. The Dehler 46 is widely regarded as a strong all-rounder, combining genuine performance with the comfort and practicality required for cruising and longer coastal passages. It’s a boat that works well across club racing, offshore sailing and delivery work, and time on board helped reinforce why the design has such a solid reputation as a versatile, capable yacht.
Blogs
RYCV Lipton Cup
The Lipton CupNorthern Port Phillip’s Premier RegattaIf there is one weekend that perfectly captures the spirit of sailing in Melbourne, it’s the Lipton Cup. Held annually at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, this regatta is a massive multi-class celebration that...
Melbourne to King Island 2025
ORCV Melbourne to King Island 202554th Melbourne to King Island Ocean RaceThe 54th Melbourne to King Island Ocean Race was one of those events where the conditions aligned, the fleet was competitive, and the crossing of Bass Strait did everything it was supposed to...
It’s not just sailing
Racing the Dufour 40 near the Yarra River mouth keeps us on our toes. Beyond the technical challenges of Port Phillip Bay, sailing with Peter’s team highlights the social side of the sport. Post-race drinks in the galley are as vital as the racing, cementing the camaraderie that makes club sailing worthwhile.
Jarkan 925
Short-course racing at SYC on this 30-foot cruiser-racer. Handling the Jarkan 925 in a tight fleet provided plenty of practice with various spinnaker pole setups and quick sail changes. It was a solid, hands-on way to refine timing and coordination on a more traditional deck layout.
Ragnar – Beneteau First 36
Sailing with Richard and Alice Ekberg across both Blairgowrie and Sandringham offered a great look at this modern design. Moving from relaxed summer twilights to more competitive winter series at SYC highlighted the boat’s versatility. It was a practical way to experience how modern layouts handle different club environments and varied racing formats.
Trilogy – Dehler 42c
Navigating the unique tides and shifts of southern Port Phillip. Staying ahead on this Dehler 42C requires constant anticipation. It’s a rewarding environment where sharp race management meets a welcoming community; chasing the perfect start is only half the experience when participation is the lifeblood of the club.
Junior Sailing at RYCV
The Gateway to the BayJunior Sailing at RYCVIf you’re looking for a place where the city skyline meets the open water, Royals is it. The club has a long-standing reputation for nurturing young sailors, from their very first time on a boat to competing in state and...
Where it All Began
Salt in the BloodWhy Rosebud Yacht Club is Where it All BeganThey say you never forget your first boat, but for me, it was the club that really stuck. My journey with the water started at six years old. My grandmother had just bought a house in Rosebud, and like...